NDTV Guide: What to Check Before Buying an EV Beyond Range and Price

Thinking of buying an electric vehicle in India? Range and price are the first things most people check. But according to a recent report from NDTV, those two numbers alone won't tell you if a car is right for your life.

Battery warranty matters more than you think

The battery is the most expensive part of any EV. NDTV points out that buyers should look closely at the warranty terms. Most manufacturers offer 8 years or 1,60,000 kilometres, but the fine print matters. Some warranties cover only a certain percentage of capacity loss. Others replace the battery only if it fails completely. A good warranty can save you lakhs of rupees down the road.

Charging speed is a real-world dealbreaker

An EV might claim a 300-kilometre range, but if it takes all night to charge on a regular plug, that range is less useful. NDTV says buyers should check the charger type the car supports, not just the battery size. Cars with CCS2 fast charging can go from 0 to 80 percent in under an hour on a public DC fast charger. Slower AC chargers might take 6 to 8 hours for a full top-up. If you don't have a home charger, fast charging support becomes critical.

Ground clearance and boot space

Indian roads are not always smooth. Many EVs have batteries mounted under the floor, which can reduce ground clearance. NDTV advises checking the car's clearance before buying. A low-slung EV can scrape speed breakers. Similarly, the battery pack often eats into boot space. Some sedans lose up to 100 litres of boot volume compared to their petrol versions. Open the boot and check if your family luggage will fit.

Resale value and service network

The EV market is still new in India. Resale values are uncertain. NDTV suggests looking at which brands have a strong service network in your city. A car with a showroom 200 kilometres away will be hard to maintain. Also ask about battery replacement costs. Some manufacturers offer battery-as-a-service or subscription plans that lower the upfront price. Others simply sell the battery with the car, locking you into a big replacement bill later.

Real range vs claimed range

Every EV in India is tested under the ARAI certification cycle. That number is often 20 to 30 percent higher than what you get in real traffic with the air conditioner on. NDTV says to look at real-world range tests from owners and reviewers. A car that claims 400 kilometres might only do 280 on the highway. If your daily commute is 50 kilometres, that is fine. But if you plan long highway trips, the real range matters a lot.

The report also mentions checking the vehicle's weight. EVs are heavy. That affects tyre wear, braking distance, and handling. Heavier cars also use more energy, cutting into the real range further.

Software and updates

Many modern EVs get over-the-air software updates. That means the car can improve over time, better battery management, new features, even more range. But not all manufacturers offer this. NDTV notes that some cars require a visit to the service centre for any update. If you want a car that stays current, look for one with OTA update capability.

The bottom line from the NDTV report: don't let a big battery number or a low price tag blind you. Check the warranty, the charging speed, the ground clearance, the service network, and the real-world range. Those details will decide whether your EV experience is smooth or full of surprises.